JMSS Edutest Exam Guide (2028 Entry): Format, Practice Tests & Science Papers

This is the John Monash Science School exam guide for 2028 entry. Current Year 9 and Year 10 students sit an Edutest paper — not ACER — with a heavier science load than the Victorian Year 10 selective exam. Use this page for format, the science papers (including Science Interest & Communication), study plans, and practice. Interview coaching after a shortlist is JT Education's JMSS interview guide.

Key Exam Information

Entry Points

• Year 10 Entry: Exam typically held in mid June
• Year 11 Entry: Exam typically held in late May
• Important Note: Only one intake per year for entrance into the following year

Application Process

1. 1. Exam registration (apply via Edutest)
2. 2. Entrance Exam (administered by Edutest)
3. 3. Interview Day (shortlisted applicants only — JT Education)
   • Group Activities
   • 1-on-1 Interviews

For detailed information on the application process, visit the official John Monash Science School website.

Exam Structure Overview

Year 10 Entry (Current Year 9 Students)

The entrance exam consists of five distinct tests:

Year 11 Entry (Current Year 10 Students)

Similar structure with five tests:

Types of Exams

• Tests of Ability - measure your potential
• Tests of Achievement - assess your performance

Detailed Test Breakdowns

Mathematics

The Mathematics test assesses year-level mathematical knowledge, plus a little extra challenge to see how well you apply concepts beyond the standard curriculum. The year 6-10 curriculum content will most likely be on the exam.

Topics Covered:

• Basics
• Algebra
• Surds
• Indices
• Equations
• Linear
• Non-linear Relationships
• Pythagoras Theorem
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Probability
• Statistics
• Financial Math
• Rates & Proportion
• Measurement
• Kinematics
• Sequences and Series
• Logarithms

Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning is a test that evaluates your ability to think and reason using numbers, focusing on problem-solving rather than memorised knowledge.

Key Components:

• Number Patterns
  • Series
  • Sequences
  • Matrices
  • Shapes
  • Boxes
  • Tables
• Worded Problems
  • Time
  • Motion
  • Financial Math
  • Measurement
  • Statistics
  • Probability

Science Reasoning

Science Reasoning assesses your observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a scientific context.

Topics:

• Biology
  • a. Cells
  • b. Body Systems
  • c. Diseases
  • d. Ecosystems
  • e. Evolution
  • f. Genetics
• Chemistry
  • a. Atoms
  • b. Periodic Table
  • c. Reactions
  • d. States of Matter
• Physics
  • a. Forces
  • b. Kinematics
  • c. Mechanics
  • d. Electricity
  • e. Energy
• Astronomy
  • a. Scale
  • b. Planets
  • c. Orbit
  • d. Satellites
  • e. Time
• Geology
  • a. Plate Tectonics
  • b. Rock Types
  • c. Moh's Hardness Scale
  • d. Cartography
• Experiments
  • a. Variables
  • b. Conclusions

Question Types

• Drawing Conclusions
• Graph Analysis
• Table Analysis
• Estimation/Scale
• Flow Charts
• Contour Lines
• Cross Sections
• Science Equations

Year 10 Entry Specific Tests

Science Interest & Communication (SIC)

Science Interest & Communication is the written paper families often search as "JMSS writing tips". You get background articles or paragraphs, then questions that ask you to build an argument. Markers want two things at once: a clear explanation, and genuine engagement with STEM. Read popular science, then re-explain it in plain language. That is the skill, not a creative-writing story.

Science Analysis & Reporting (SAR)

Science Analysis & Reporting or SAR for short is a 30 minute, written test that includes 5 minutes of reading time and 25 minutes of writing time. This exam assesses your ability to analyse scientific data and present findings in a structured report. For this assessment an incomplete experimental report will be provided and a few questions will need to be answered when coming up with your response.

Year 11 Entry Specific Tests

Science Knowledge

Science Knowledge (listed by some schools simply as "Science") is a Year 11 only, 30 question, 30 minute, multiple choice test that measures your understanding of biology, physics, and chemistry through visual and written data interpretation. It is very similar to Science Reasoning, but with more emphasis on year level specific content.

Science Writing Skills (Year 11)

The Year 11 written test is Science Writing Skills (some schools list it as "Writing Science Skills"), a 30 minute paper that evaluates your ability to communicate scientific information clearly and logically. It takes the place of the Science Interest & Communication paper Year 10 applicants sit.

Preparation Checklist

General Preparation

Week Before Exam

Day of Exam

Study plans (12, 6, 3, 2 and 1 month)

Science thinking develops slowly, which is why six to twelve months is the comfortable runway. A shorter burst still helps if you train the papers you will actually sit. The generic Edutest sections (Mathematics and Numerical Reasoning) are covered in more depth on the Edutest exam guide.

• 12 months: Shore up year-level maths. Read popular science weekly. Get used to graphs, tables and simple experiments. No need to sit full mocks yet.
• 6 months: Weekly data-interpretation. Edutest-style maths and numerical reasoning papers. One short evidence-based science write-up a week. Year 11 candidates add school science for Science Knowledge.
• 3 months: Timed practice across all five papers. Review every miss. Push unfamiliar science scenarios so exam-day surprise shrinks.
• 2 months: Full mock sittings under real timing. Keep an error log. Rehearse written science so the argument stays short and evidence-based.
• 1 month: Consolidate. Do not start new topics. If you are shortlisted, interview prep is a different skill — use JT Education's interview guide, not another written-exam drill.

FAQs

Q: How does the JMSS exam differ from other selective school exams?
A: While ACER administers most selective school exams in Victoria, the JMSS exam is administered by Edutest and has a stronger focus on scientific aptitude and communication.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing?
A: Most successful candidates begin preparing 3-6 months before the exam, dedicating several hours per week to practice tests and concept review.

Q: What's the most challenging part of the exam?
A: Many students find the time pressure challenging, particularly in the Mathematics section with 60 questions in 30 minutes. Regular timed practice is essential.

Note: Exam formats and content may vary year to year. This guide is based on past exam patterns and student experiences. For the most current information, always refer to official JMSS communications.